Stilled frames 1: Kallapangha

Kallapangha [Corals], dir. Vichit Kounnavudhi, 1962.

Shot on silent 16mm with voices performed live at the point of projection.

In Kallapangha the incredibly dishy Chana Sri-ubon, who plays two characters, pairs up with Eurasian star Kedsarin Pattamawan. During this era a good Thai movie was one that fitted the description of khrop thuk rot (ครบทุกรส),or “bursting with all possible flavours,” a conception of cinematic quality closely linked to the notion of the masala in Indian cinema. No sweetness without bitterness, no tears without laughter. There is yearning and there is adventure, wonder, magic, and experimentation.